Join us on an unforgettable and luxurious combination trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, where you will experience the best of both worlds. Explore Sri Lanka’s beautiful landscape and rich culture, with visits to Wilpattu National Park, Sigiriya and Kandy, among others. Discover the majestic elephants, leopards, shimmering lakes and diverse wildlife on the thrilling safari in Wilpattu National Park. Ascend to the Sigiriya fortress and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the historic city of Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth before ending your adventure in beautiful Weligama where you stay on one of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems, Malabar Hill. Head on to the paradise of the Maldives, which offers the ultimate in luxury and has everything you could dream of. This trip will give you a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, and will give you memories to last a lifetime!
This program is a source of inspiration — each trip is unique and tailored to you.
Our driver and guide will meet you at the airport and take you on to Thirappane and Ulagalla resort where you will stay for the first nights of this beautiful adventure. Check into the hotel and relax after a long journey. Dinner and overnight at Ulagalla resort.
Ulagalla Resort is a beautiful eco-resort with premium villas surrounded by nature and wildlife, ideally located in the heart of the cultural triangle. On the property, there are fantastic views wherever you are, with beautiful green paddy fields, sparkling reservoirs and untamed scrubland. Couples and honeymooners will enjoy this secluded, natural setting.
Wilpattu was declared a national park in 1938 and spans 131,694 hectares. It is home to a rich wildlife and bird species that often flock to the large number of Villus (lakes) in the park. Many species can be seen in the park, including Axis Deer, Sambhur, Muntjakar, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, Labyrinth Bear, Mongoose, Crocodile and Peacock. Here there are also good opportunities to see leopards and wild elephants.
After an exciting game drive, you will be driven back to the hotel, followed by a scenic drive to Nachaduwa Lake.
This unique drive takes you far off the beaten track, weaving along dirt roads through rural landscapes dominated by rice paddies. Birds and buffalo are often seen along with other wildlife, including elephants, especially when you reach the scenic Nachaduwa Lake, a large reservoir framed by dense pockets of forest and the distant hills. This setting offers a beautiful place to enjoy a sundowner at sunset, before heading back to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at Ulagalla Resort.
After breakfast at the hotel, the trip continues to Sigiriya where you climb the famous rock fortress. Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions and was built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD) to protect him from his rivals. A UNSECO World Heritage Site, also known as the “Fortress in the Sky”. The climb to the top of the fortress not only rewards you with a fantastic view, there is also a lot to discover during the climb to the top which includes water gardens, artistic frescoes, mirror wall, lion gate and then finally the magnificent view from the mountain top.
After this fascinating experience, the tour moves on to another famous sight – Kandy. Here there will be a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and a guided tour of Kandy.
Sri Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex that houses the Buddha’s tooth relic. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic has control of the country.
Dinner and overnight at W15 Hanthana hotel.
A beautifully restored bungalow resort consisting of 10 suites, located amidst the lush vegetation, just 15 minutes from the historic center of Kandy. The famous Hanthana mountain range is recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque regions. Here you stay in a lovely Bungalow Suite with a large, private terrace, perfect for sunbathing or even an intimate dinner under the stars.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to the Kandy train station where a new adventure awaits. The train ride to Hatton is one of the most scenic train rides in Asia. The dramatic highland landscape awakens the senses as you meander past lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and cascading waterfalls. Sri Lanka Railways – the government railway network was first started in 1864 during the colonial era. You meet Sri Lankans from all walks of life on the train – it’s a very nice experience. At Hatton station you will be picked up by your driver who will take you on to the hotel where you can relax after a busy day.
Dinner and overnight at the Ceylon Tea Trials.
Ceylon Tea Trails is the world’s first tea bungalow resort, located at an altitude of 1,250 meters in Sri Lanka’s panoramic Ceylon tea region, bordering the UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands. Tea Trails is the first Relais & The Chateaux hotel in Sri Lanka. The award-winning boutique hotel consists of five restored colonial tea planter bungalows, offering period furnishings, exquisite butler service and gourmet cuisine. The bungalows vary from 4 to 6 rooms and suites; 27 rooms in total.
Breakfast at the hotel and a day to relax and enjoy the surroundings at the hotel. A guided tour of the Dunkeld Tea Factory will be arranged from the hotel. This tour gives you a typical tea experience in Sri Lanka. The hotel’s own tea planters passionately delve into every aspect of tea with just the right amount of detail – from a look back at the early days of ‘planting’ and the lifestyle of the early colonial settlers, to the production process how flavors are created to suit different palates – here you get you the whole process.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and then on to Mirissa and Weligama Bay, which is a charming beach town on Sri Lanka’s south coast, known for its sandy beaches, surfing and idyllic fishing villages. Just a short tuk-tuk ride from the beach, through paddy fields filled with water buffalo, rises Malabar Hill. Malabar Hill is a luxury resort you won’t want to leave. Beautiful and secluded and a design lover’s dream. After check-in, it’s time to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.
A hidden oasis!
Choose whether you just want to enjoy the resort’s facilities with pool, spa, yoga, guided bird watching or why not a cooking course! Enjoy Cordon Bleu-trained chef Roshini’s delicious cuisine, or head out to explore this very special corner of Sri Lanka’s south coast. Surfers are a short drive from the waves of Weligama, Ahangama and Mirissa.
A hidden oasis! Malabar Hill is a modern boutique hotel built into the edge of the forest that offers its guests a unique nature experience. Views of sparkling rice fields, tea-clad hills and the distant Indian Ocean are revealed when the floor-to-wall glass windows are opened.
Ask for breakfast in your villa, and sit either on the terrace or on round cushions at the low wood and brass table just inside, and enjoy a fantastic panoramic view. You will see yellow orioles and fluttering butterflies as you sip your morning coffee and enjoy fresh fruit and Sri Lankan specialties.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Colombo where you have an overnight stay at The Wallawwa, which is close to the airport. Explore the capital with your own driver or just relax at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport to travel on to the Maldives and the magical resort, Soneva Jani. You can stay here for as long as you want, we recommend at least five nights
There is nothing modest about Soneva Jani. The villas range from one to four bedrooms, all with a large private pool, outdoor bathroom with bathtub and a roof terrace where you can pull the roof away so you can gaze at the stars from your bed. Better views to wake up to are hard to beat! The relaxing sound of the waves lulls you to sleep at night…
There’s no limit to the options available when it comes to gourmet dining at Soneva Jani – A candlelit dinner under the stars. A private picnic with your loved ones. Create your own menu with the experienced chefs for the perfect meal. The wine cellar at Soneva Jani is located in a six-metre high glass tower. Private wine tastings and dinners can be arranged.
Of course, the resort has a water sports center that offers free kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, windsurfing, kitesurfing and catamarans. To say that the snorkeling and diving here is divine is an understatement.
Watch classic and modern favorites under the stars or take your Cinema Paradiso experience to new heights, while our chefs prepare a menu of small dishes and snacks. Refreshing cocktails, popcorn and ice cream can also be arranged.
Ecorating: 3,5
Season: Year round
Airport: Bandaranaike International (CMB)
The price of the tour includes: Accommodation, share in a double room, activities and meals specified in your tailor-made program, flight Colombo-Maldives.
The price of the trip does not include: International flight to Sri Lanka, flight Maldives-Norway, travel insurance, E-visa (ETA), meals, drinks and activities not specified in the program.
Good to know about Sri Lanka:
Travel Etiquette: When visiting a temple it is customary to take off your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees.
ETA: Travelers to Sri Lanka who will be visiting Sri Lanka as tourists or business travelers for up to 30 days can apply for Electronic Travel Authorization from the Sri Lankan authorities.
Arrival Form: Travellers arriving in Sri Lanka can now complete the Arrival Form online. Link to form can be found on the websites of the immigration authorities. The form can be completed no earlier than three days before arrival
Time zone: GMT + 5.5 hours.
Vaccinations: Read more about which vaccines you need: Public Health Institute
Local Currency: Sri Lanka Rupee.
Weather: Sri Lanka has a tropical and hot climate. The summer monsoon from May to October causes the most precipitation to fall in the west, while the east coast receives the most rain from November to January with the winter monsoon. The average temperature varies from about 16 ºC in the central highlands in winter, where frost can sometimes occur, to 33 ºC in the lowlands during summer. The annual mean temperature is between 28 ºC and 31 ºC. The hottest month is May, at the beginning of the rainy season.
Mobile network: Wifi works well.
Good to know about the Maldives:
Travel Etiquette: The Maldives is a Muslim country and alcohol is only allowed in hotels and resorts. It is forbidden to bring alcohol into the country.
Visa: You will need an entry permit to visit the Maldives. This can be arranged at the airport upon arrival or before departure, easiest at www.eta.gov.lk.
Local currency: Maldives Rufiyaa (MVR). Only USD on the hotel islands. Bring small amounts of dollars to tip.
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Malabar Hill: At Malabar Hill, Sri Lanka’s diverse natural beauty is respected and celebrated, keeping its protection as a top priority, while providing a sustainable and beautiful place from which to experience it.
Environment:
• Sewage treatment plant
• Biocell sewage treatment
• Collection of rainwater for use in gardens
• Vegetable garden for own consumption
• Solar-powered hot water in all villas
• Waste sorting – dry/wet and recycling
• Saltwater chlorinated pools – Main pool and in all villas
• Refillable glass bottles in all villas – Refilled and sealed industrially
W15 Hanthana Estate: The resort is dedicated to preserving and protecting the surrounding environment. They have taken several measures to ensure that their business is as environmentally friendly as possible. For example, they have installed solar panels that provide electricity for the entire resort, and they also have a rainwater collection system that provides fresh water to the guests.
The resort has also taken measures to reduce plastic waste by eliminating the use of disposable items and plastic bottles. They also use organic and sustainable materials in the interior and have an organic garden that provides fresh fruit and vegetables for the restaurant.
W15 Hanthana Estate is also keen to support the local community and works to give back to the local community. They collaborate with local organizations and help support local schools and education. The resort also provides job opportunities for the local community and provides training and development opportunities for the employees.
W15 Hanthana Estate has proven to be a pioneering business in terms of sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka, and they are a great example of how a business can drive profitability while caring for the environment and contributing positively to society.
Ceylon Tea Trials: located under Dilmah Tea, here you can read more about how they work with sustainability and their sustainability policy.
Soneva Jani: Soneva resorts are a model of sustainability and responsible tourism, and they have taken this further than many others through ground-breaking and innovative methods. Total Impact Assessment (TIA) enables Soneva to get to the bottom of all areas of the business, understand the sustainability effect and make decisions based on the information and knowledge available. In 2008 they introduced a 2% environmental tax on all stays. This goes to the Soneva Foundation, which invests in a range of projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact, offsetting direct and indirect carbon emissions, such as activities at the resort and guest flights. The foundation supports the development of projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact. For more details and results of their work with sustainability, you can read their latest Sustainability Report
